Nice punished with stadium ban, Marseille trainer suspended after Ligue 1 brawl

The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has decided that Nice’s next match will take place behind closed doors following the ugly brawl that ruined last weekend’s encounter with Marseille.

“Total closed-door match on the Allianz Riviera for the Nice – Bordeaux meeting scheduled for Saturday, the LFP said.

“Suspension from the bench, referee’s locker room and all official functions of Mr. Pablo Fernandez, fitness trainer for Olympique de Marseille.

During the match, Nice supporters stormed the pitch to engage in a brawl with Marseille players after Dimitri Payet threw a bottle back at the crowd, who had been throwing objects at Marseille players.

The referee stopped the match in the second half after the violence from both fans and players and staff on the pitch. However, Marseille players refused to return from the dressing room and they were assigned a 3-0 forfeit defeat.

Further sanctions could come next month.